I haven't made anything for a while. I thought that since I stopped working I'd have more time for creativity, but it seems less important to me somehow right now. I am, however, really enjoying the change of pace around here. No mad rushing, hurrying children along, dashing about. I snapped this cardinal in the back yard one evening this week - I've been trying to get a good shot of him for a long time, but have never managed to pull it off. Patience and persistance finally paid off. I desaturated the background (that's fancy photoshop talk for making it black and white) for added oomph but in the sunlight, he really was this stunning red.
Have a great weekend!
Gorgeous image! I need to learn how to use Photoshop properly as it's more luck than management with my photos. :)
Posted by: Pen at Oliver Boliver | March 25, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Well now I know what desaturated is even if I don't know how to do it! It certainly makes the cardinal glow.
I think creativity and the urge to make things ebbs and flows at different times in our lives, reflecting our priorities and mindset.x
Posted by: French Knots | March 26, 2011 at 03:36 AM
Fantastic shot...glad you are finding your feet in your new routine! :o)
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | March 26, 2011 at 05:50 AM
Funny - it's the same for me. Crafting is an oasis when life is all frenzied, but when things are calmer, I feel less of an urge to escape to it.
Amazing photo.
Posted by: domesticali | March 27, 2011 at 05:11 AM
You're so right Ali. Exactly what I feel but much more eloquently put!
Posted by: Lina | March 27, 2011 at 09:01 AM
I hope you're enjoying some downtime. We've just had a lovely peaceful weekend with zero crafting; oddly I seem to have a greater urge to make things when I have no time to do it!
Beautiful photograph, stunning colour!
Posted by: Helen | March 27, 2011 at 04:25 PM
it's ok by me if you decide to turn this into a photography blog ;)
glad to hear you're enjoying the slow down.
Posted by: Nancy | March 30, 2011 at 04:00 PM
What a beautiful picture - and bird. We only get some loud squawking parrots and a few crows around here.
I'm filing my taxes today. I'm hoping that after that I might finally get around to making something. I've got the feeling that my husband might have some crazy ideas about the house needing a tidy first, though...
Posted by: UK lass in US | April 05, 2011 at 11:53 AM
there is season to everything and you'll go back to crafting when you feel like to. i unlike to you made things but just didn't feel in the mood to photography/blog them !
as I said on flickr this shot is beautiful ! i didn't have noticed it was desaturated ! but that's me !!! i don't have a clue how photoshop/lightroom etc work !!
Posted by: Valerie | April 06, 2011 at 09:31 PM
oh désolée j'ai oublié que tu préfères que j'écrive en français ! la prochaine fois : promis !!
Posted by: Valerie | April 06, 2011 at 09:32 PM